Amy, Jill, Eric and I were driving back toward San Jose when Eric pulled the car into a parking lot facing the ocean.

Eric knew that we would love to watch the sun set over the ocean.

While we we admiring the setting, Eric got up without a word and walked over to a pile of sticks. At least that’s what I saw. Jill saw a wood pile that had been gathered and positioned for the evening fire. Eric saw something else.

Eric walked up to the wood pile and saw a picture frame. As Jill explained, “You can’t fit Eric in a box, uniquely himself. He thinks and communicates on his own level. You don’t always see what you get; not that he’s a mystery man, he’s just rather private.”

Compassionate Eric has compassion for the least and the lost. He cares about the same struggling people as Jill. Eric may not intervene on the front lines, but is right behind Jill. He helps people in need, but he’s not the person on the street corner. That’s Jill’s style.

Thinker and Problem-Solver Eric always has an alternative idea brainstorming to the tenth level. He always challenges the paradigm.

Christ-Follower Eric is a Christ-seeker who enjoys exchanging ideas (though more privately than publicly). He always desires deeper connection with Christ.

Leader Eric has patience and compassion for others. He, like his dog Max, is loyal, safe and honest. You can sense his strength; he has lots of strength. Jill added, “it’s a ‘no-brainier’ to allow him to lead.”

I followed Eric’s lead and here’s the picture he framed.

If you’re interested, here’s “I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin Degraw I don’t need to be anything other Than a prison guard’s son I don’t need to be anything other Than a specialist’s son I don’t have to be anyone other Than the birth of two souls in one Part of where I’m going, is knowing where I’m coming from [Chorus:] I don’t want to be Anything other than what I’ve been trying to be lately All I have to do Is think of me and I have peace of mind I’m tired of looking ’round rooms Wondering what I’ve got to do Or who I’m supposed to be I don’t want to be anything other than me I’m surrounded by liars everywhere I turn I’m surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn I’m surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turn Am I the only one who noticed? I can’t be the only one who’s learned!

[Chorus]

Can I have everyone’s attention please? If you’re not like this and that, you’re gonna have to leave I came from the mountain The crust of creation My whole situation-made from clay to stone And now I’m telling everybody